Softball clinic a ‘great success’

January 3, 2013

NORWAY - A softball clinic featuring University of Missouri pitching director Doug Gillis was a "great success," according to Norway High School softball coach Scott Conery.

Article Photos

Burt Angeli/The Daily News PhotosNorway Little League coach Bob Bal (blue cap above) helps out some of the pitchers attending the softball clinic held at Norway High School. Doug Gillis (below), director of coaching and pitching at the University of Missouri, worked with Little League coaches and players.

Gillis, a six-time Team USA pitcher and lead instructor for the International Softball Congress, worked with about 10 coaches and parents on Friday at Norway High School. Little League hitters and pitchers received instruction Saturday.

"This clinic is great for anyone from a parent to someone coaching at any level," Conery noted.

Fifty-five youngsters took part in the hitting clinic.

"I never anticipated having that many so we were a little tight for room," Conery said. "But Doug kept them busy with drills and instruction."

Twenty-five girls participated in the pitching session.

"Some brought their own catchers and we provided catchers for others," Conery said. "It was supposed to be a two-hour clinic but it ended up going a little over three hours."

Conery hopes Gillis may be able to return in the spring. Plans are already being made for Gillis to come back next winter, with possibly other college coaches involved.

"We were really fortunate to have someone of Doug's caliber come to our area," Conery said. "This is a guy who not only coaches at the highest levels but has been one of the top pitchers in the world.

"I think to give not only our coaches but our players access to him is fantastic. It will help our programs because the whole sport revolves around pitching."

Conery also expressed appreciation to Cori Rice, Bob Bal, Scott Popp, Brad Grayvold and the rest of the volunteers who helped out.